A discussion about the steady increase in passenger traffic and facility improvements was a highlight of a November strategy session of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corp.
Passenger traffic has increased from 121,991 passengers in 2010 to 194,783 in 2014, a 59.7 per cent increase. The board credited the improvement to the support of the community and the introduction of additional airlines, which resulted in increased competition.
The airport has also undergone numerous safety, functional and aesthetic upgrades worth a combined $26,800,000 over the last 16 years since the corporation took over ownership in 1998.
“The strategy session provided an excellent opportunity to review the recently approved new Business and Land Use Master Plan that will guide the [corporation] for the next 20 years with focus on the next five to 10 years,” airport CEO Terry Bos said in a release. “This plan identified areas of strength but also areas that can be strategically enhanced, and areas that need improvement.”
“The strategy session was used to set in place the tools to implement an achievable strategic plan for continued success,” Bos added. “Not satisfied with the norm, the corporation is committed to working closely with the community, employees, and tenant family focused on customer satisfaction and being mindful of the needs of Sault Ste. Marie and area residents.”
The executive summary of the newly approved Business and Land Use Master Plan is posted on the Sault Airport website www.saultairport.com.
